By The DesMoines RegisterPublished March 28th 2007 in The DesMoines Register

Iowans will be able to register to vote at the polls, instead of having to complete that 10 days before the election.

The
Iowa Senate approved House File 653 on a vote of 30-20 Tuesday. The
bill now goes to Gov. Chet Culver, whose staff said Tuesday that he
will sign the bill into law.

Supporters of the legislation think
it will increase participation in Iowa's elections. But critics
questioned whether Iowa's election system will be more vulnerable to
voter fraud once the change occurs.

Iowans will have to complete
a voter registration form, provide proof of residency in their
precinct, and prove their identity with a driver's license or other
photo identification. Iowans also will have to sign an oath that they
have not already voted.

Violators risk a $7,500 fine and prison time.

After
the election, county auditors would mail voter-registration cards and
would investigate those that are returned because the recipient does
not live there.